[cobirds] Yellow headed Blackbirds, Mead, Weld County

I have a small flock of Yellow headed-blackbirds on the southeast shore of Highland Lake near Mead, in Weld County.

These are the first that I have observed at the lake in probably 30 years. They used to come every year for a while but never stayed. This year it appears that at least four males are vigorously defending their spots in the cattails. They are mixed in with some Red-winged blackbirds that are also defending nesting spots. I also noticed a nest on one of the taller reeds, a little above the rest.

At least of couple birds have the yellow throats and chest, but the yellow does not extend up over their heads. Just as bright yellow as the obvious males. Are these females? I first noticed them because their calls are just plain weird, might even be called awful. Different than I have heard in a very long time.

I've also noticed a pair of birds sitting on the power lines along my property line that I also have never seen before here. I was driving home and by the time I got into the house, found my binoculars and went back out, there were gone. They looked larger than a house finch, but were all bright red with brown wings. Seems I remember a little bit of white streaks on the wings, but not positive. I'm keeping a watchful eye out to see if they show up again.
Pauli Smith Highlandlake/Mead, Weld County.


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